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I had an amazing week at Prema Shanti in the Daintree attending a Yoga retreat hosted by my yoga teachers from Sydney. It is a very special place with a very special energy right in the middle of the rainforest. Perfect to relax, wind down, reconnect with nature, yourself & other likeminded people including the beautiful hosts Mara & Janardhan who are very welcoming, open and helpful with whatever your heart may desire. They have put a lot of love and energy into this very special place with many yogic symbols, crystals and love to detail. The yoga room up-stairs has an amazingly powerful energy and is just the perfect place for yoga and meditation. There are also 2 meditation rocks on the property. The veranda up-stairs has beanbags, a hammock, a free library filled with books, facilities to make a cup of tea (whatever your heart desires from black, green, chamomile, peppermint... you name it) or coffee and lots of space to relax and soak in the scenery & nature. It is an eco-friendly resort with two solar-powered showers, filtered rainwater that tastes beautiful, two bushtoilets and a flushing toilet. The rooms and beds are simple, very clean and most of them are equipped with a mosquito net. There is no mobile phone reception or internet - but for those who really want to switch off and disconnect from the hustle bustle of life - that is a fantastic thing! There is reception in a few spots further away if you have a car. Mara is an amazing cook and prepares a yummy breakfast every morning - we were lucky enough to have fresh fruit salad, muesli, milk incl. soy & yoghurt. In the evening Mara cooks the yummiest vegetarian food I've ever had (and that coming from a meat lover is a big compliment!). We were very hungry doing yoga 4-6 hours a day and there was always more than enough food - we could have second and third serves, but for most of us the first serve was big enough. There are two of the most amazing swimming holes walking distance from the retreat. If you want to explore the nearby beaches, cafes for lunch, walks and the beautiful area, it is best to have a car. It is well worth it, there is lots to do and explore in the area.If you are after a 5 star luxury resort, this is not the right place for you, but if you like the sound of the above and are after a truly unique experience with lovely, caring hosts, then I can only recommend Prema Shanti to you.

Stayed: July 2012, traveled solo

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Ask SailKat about Prema Shanti Yoga & Meditation Retreat

2 Thank SailKat

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

I had an amazing week at Prema Shanti in the Daintree attending a Yoga retreat hosted by my yoga teachers from Sydney. It is a very special place with a very special energy right in the middle of the rainforest. Perfect to relax, wind down, reconnect with nature, yourself & other likeminded people including the beautiful hosts Mara & Janardhan who are very welcoming, open and helpful with whatever your heart may desire. They have put a lot of love and energy into this very special place with many yogic symbols, crystals and love to detail. The yoga room up-stairs has an amazingly powerful energy and is just the perfect place for yoga and meditation. There are also 2 meditation rocks on the property. The veranda up-stairs has beanbags, a hammock, a free library filled with books, facilities to make a cup of tea (whatever your heart desires from black, green, chamomile, peppermint... you name it) or coffee and lots of space to relax and soak in the scenery & nature. It is an eco-friendly resort with two solar-powered showers, filtered rainwater that tastes beautiful, two bushtoilets and a flushing toilet. The rooms and beds are simple, very clean and most of them are equipped with a mosquito net. There is no mobile phone reception or internet - but for those who really want to switch off and disconnect from the hustle bustle of life - that is a fantastic thing! There is reception in a few spots further away if you have a car. Mara is an amazing cook and prepares a yummy breakfast every morning - we were lucky enough to have fresh fruit salad, muesli, milk incl. soy & yoghurt. In the evening Mara cooks the yummiest vegetarian food I've ever had (and that coming from a meat lover is a big compliment!). We were very hungry doing yoga 4-6 hours a day and there was always more than enough food - we could have second and third serves, but for most of us the first serve was big enough. There are two of the most amazing swimming holes walking distance from the retreat. If you want to explore the nearby beaches, cafes for lunch, walks and the beautiful area, it is best to have a car. It is well worth it, there is lots to do and explore in the area.If you are after a 5 star luxury resort, this is not the right place for you, but if you like the sound of the above and are after a truly unique experience with lovely, caring hosts, then I can only recommend Prema Shanti to you.

Stayed: July 2012, traveled solo

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Ask SailKat about Prema Shanti Yoga & Meditation Retreat

3 Thank SailKat

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

The Prema Shanti retreat was a truly deep experience for reasons that take some time to get quiet enough to fully appreciate. It is located in pristine rain forest an hour or so north of Port Douglas but after you arrive you quickly become aware "you're not in Kansas anymore" in more ways than one - at face value there is no mains power and no mobile reception at the premises but it is more than that. The incredible sound scape that comes from being enveloped in a pristine rain-forest and the rich animal life you start to notice brimming in to the perimeter of the property are a clue. For the first day or so this whole scene could well feel uncomfortable for many of us so accustomed to a highly controlled and sanitized experience. In some respects the facilities will come across as basic but in other respects they reflect higher consciousness. As the yoga and meditation accumulated over the first few days the head noise fell away and I started to be able to see and feel a depth of peace and tranquility around this place that was pretty special, from there the magic just grew. There are the most amazing water holes located 5mins walk from the retreat - make sure you check them out on day 1! A deep gong rings every evening to signal the group to gather for dinner. Janardhan and Mara, the hosts, prepare and serve a meal and they openly share their experiences and spiritual travels to further inspire. There is a daily rhythm about the retreat that allows both personal space and an opportunity to connect meaningfully with the other aspirants (and in our case two amazing yoga teachers in Gina and Kamdeep) - a definite highlight for me. I would recommend this retreat to anyone looking to access deep inner stillness and the love and peace that flows from this. M

Stayed: July 2012, traveled as a couple

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Ask Mark869 about Prema Shanti Yoga & Meditation Retreat

2 Thank Mark869

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

This place is an ideal location to spend time in an incredible rainforest, amongst beautiful surroundings with amazing hosts in Mara & Janardhan. As soon as you arrive you are welcomed by your lovely hosts who are keen to show you around and point out all the features of this incredible Eco-friendly establishment, complete with solar hot-water system, fresh rain water tanks, and even wind-up torches at your bedside should you desire to explore outside at night. Rooms are minimalist, but with a rainforest canopy but metres from your door, need of anything more is surplus to requirement. Bathroom facilities are communal, however there was plenty of hot water & privacy (a total contradiction to a previous review). The temple upstairs provides the perfect location for yoga, meditation and as was the case on the Retreat I attended at Prema Shanti, a place to dance, relax and connect with others. There is a full 360 degree verandah on the top floor, complete with hanging chairs, sofas, hammocks and bean bags to view the incredible flora and fauna on show, including the much beloved resident 'Randi the Bandicoot' and many bush scrub turkeys, parrots and other creatures that frequent the grounds of Prema Shanti.Scrumptious vegetarian delights are prepared nightly by Mara & Janardhan, with none of our group of a dozen retreaters ever left wanting of more food. Mara even has a cookbook for sale of her amazing dishes - they are that good!All in all, if you are wanton of a luxurious, pampered, all the bells & whistles type of break - then Prema Shanti is not going to be for you (as it would appear the previous reviewer was). If however, you are the type of person who is respectful of the world that we live in, and desires a relaxing, quiet, restful break whilst being immersed in one of the oldest forests in the world, then I highly recommend Prema Shanti to you!

Stayed: July 2012

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Ask ZenDocDoc about Prema Shanti Yoga & Meditation Retreat

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Prema Shanti is a retreat centre, not a luxury health resort. If you are looking for a high level of physical comforts and amenities and you can’t live without hairdryers, TV, mobile phones etc., then Prema Shanti is not for you. At $110 per single and $85 twin share with breakfast, dinner and yoga classes included, this is not going to be the ‘Golden Door’! However, If you are looking for a place which is relaxing, peaceful, inexpensive and has a wonderful spiritual ambience then you can't go past Prema Shanti. Prema Shanti enjoys a beautiful setting in the Daintree Rainforest (2 hours north of Cairns) where you are surrounded by nature. The rooms are basic but comfortable, the indoor/outdoor bathroom facilities are shared but clean. If there were more than a half dozen guests, I imagine the bathroom area could get a bit busy in the mornings and evenings and the solar hot water does take a bit of time to kick in, but in a place like this, what’s the rush? The owners of Prema Shanti are serious about treading lightly on the earth and are self sufficient with rainwater and solar power. They ask that their guests respect this by being thoughtful in their use of power and water.Upstairs is the temple and living areas. The kitchen, dining and lounge areas are outside under the wide verandahs. The included breakfast and dinner are tasty, healthy, homestyle vegetarian. Meal times are great for getting to know your hosts and fellow guests. If you want to get out during the day and do things there’s plenty to do, some in easy walking distance, others a short drive away and some great places to eat lunch. Massages can also be organised on the premises. Your hosts can recommend and make bookings for anything you might care to do. If you prefer peace and solitude, there are hammocks and beanbags you can retreat to away from the communal areas. The Yoga and meditation program runs every day in the temple. Guests are asked to observe the 'noble silence' from 9.30pm until breakfast time out of respect for others but participating in anything else is optional. In short, I would highly recommend Prema Shanti to anyone wanting to relax, escape the rat race and renew their body, mind and spirit.

NOTE: Other reviews for this property on Trip Advisor are at Premashanti in Diwan, the correct location.

Stayed: June 2012, traveled solo

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Ask Judi-oz about Prema Shanti Yoga & Meditation Retreat

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

The retreat provides very basic accommodation, very little privacy, I toilet and 2 showers to be shared by all guests male or female.You are told on arrival if you use the toilet - not to flush it. The hot water in the shower lasts for 60 sec - if you are lucky, the bathroom is not enclosed - exposed to elements.The rooms have corrugated iron for walls - so conversations can be heard from each room.The yoga studio with wooden floors is above accommodation so if yoga classes are scheduled from 4am in the morning forget about trying to sleep.Breakfast and dinner is included - the food provided is very basic and cheap with very small portions.I used the camping ground facilities down the road(5 mins in car ) to shower - at least you had privacy and plenty of hot water.The only holiday on arrival I've been greeted with a extensive list of things you can't do.Overall a very disappointing, time wasting and costly experience.

Stayed: July 2012, traveled solo

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Ask 8JK8_8 about Prema Shanti Yoga & Meditation Retreat

7 Thank 8JK8_8

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Management response:Responded July 12, 2012

We are a eco- friendly yoga retreat situated in the heart of the Daintree rainforest. There is no mains power or water in the Daintree rainforest, as we rely on solar power for electricity, and rainfall for water. Here we practice the yogic principles of mindfulness and awareness. We care for, and respect our pristine rainforest, our earths resources, and environment. Our guests also practice mindfulness and conservation. There are are no rules, only requests. Our showers are unisex, and private, with continuous hot water provided by a newly installed instantaneous gas hot water system. Our program begins at 7am with silent sitting meditation, 4.30am chanting is not part of our daily program. This person came with a group who hired the venue and ran their own program. The walls in the rooms are sound insulated. There is noble silence practiced from 9.30pm through to 7.30am to ensure peace and quiet. This creates a space for contemplation and reflection. The Prema Shanti is the most cost effective yoga and meditation retreat in Australia. We pride ourselves on our service to our guests. Our retreat centre is run by my wife Mara and myself, our heart and soul goes into the business and the welfare of our guests, and feel this review is misleading and a misrepresentation of the facts.

Report response as inappropriateThank you. We appreciate your input.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Truly blissful! Coordinating a Bellydance workshop with my girls was one of the best business decisions I made. The beauty and the surrounds exceeded my expectations not to mention the beautiful hosts Mara & Janardhan. Always smiling and full or life. The food was so delicious too. I would have liked to have packed warmer clothes for my June trip though as the evenings were very cold. Mara & Janardhan gave me and my guests the space we needed at all times. I will definitely go back and I can't wait to plan my next trip!

Room Tip: Bring a pair of socks as the nights were cold.

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Stayed: June 2012, traveled with friends

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Ask BellyPower about Prema Shanti Yoga & Meditation Retreat

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

The Prema Shanti Yoga and Meditation Retreat, is situated in the heart of the worlds oldest rainforest, the magnificent World heritage Daintree rainforest in far North Queensland, Australia, where our program of yoga and meditation runs everyday.At our yoga retreat centre you never miss out on your yoga and meditation practice, our yoga and meditation program runs 7 days a week, all year round.With our stunning secluded beaches, only 2hrs drive north of Cairns, our crystal clear fresh water swimming lagoons, native wildlife, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, you awaken to the sounds of the rainforest birds calling you to meditation, you practice yoga on our polished timber floor in our purpose built yoga retreat temple.The Prema Shanti Yoga and Meditation Retreat provides you with the perfect ambience, for a unique rainforest yoga holiday. We offer you the complete holiday experience with a full range of spa treatments and massage available for you to enjoy and indulge.The Prema Shanti Yoga and Meditation Retreats purpose built facilities, boutique rooms & unique location provides the perfect venue for an unforgettable yoga holiday adventure.The Prema Shanti Yoga and Meditation Retreat facilities are ideal for yoga & meditation teachers looking for that special place to hold their next workshop or retreat.The program runs 7 days a week , all year round....more less

Also Known As:

Prema Shanti Yoga & Meditation Retreat Daintree Region, Australia

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